Chilton returned to the BTCC after a five-year absence last
season with the Power Maxed Vauxhall team, and claimed a podium
finish on his comeback weekend. He ended the year with
15th place in the standings, and also completed a full
season in the World Touring Car Championship. In this he was third,
and won the FIA WTCC Trophy, which is the series' equivalent of the
Independents title.

The 32-year-old will now be back behind the wheel of a Ford
Focus, the model in which he ended his first BTCC stint. Chilton's
BTCC record includes 12 race wins, 45 podiums, 12 pole positions
and the 2010 Independents Drivers title. The deal will also bring
backing from global insurance brokerage, risk management and
consulting services firm Gallagher to the Shredded Wheat-sponsored
team.

"Motorbase is one of the most professional teams on the grid and
I think I'll fit in very well;" said Chilton. "I'm excited to be
back in the Ford Focus. The last time I raced in the Focus I was
crowned British Indy Champion in 2010, so it's great to come back
to it.

"I'm fully focused on one full championship next season, the
BTCC. I love the fans in the BTCC and I love the racing. It's such
a competitive championship; no other series in the world is as
close as the BTCC, every win and podium feels so special.

"I'm really happy to have AJ Gallagher follow me back to the
BTCC off the back of our WTCC title. I want to keep momentum
from my WTCC title win going and British Champion is where I want
to be next, that's the aim for next season."

Team Principal David Bartrum added: "It's great to have Tom on
board. He's an excellent addition to the team with a proven touring
car history and has all of the right ingredients to help Motorbase
Performance challenge for the BTCC crown next season. He brings a
wealth of experience with him from both British and World touring
cars and it's great to see him back with the Ford brand. A lot of
his success in the BTCC has been with the Ford badge, he knows the
product and knows our team and I think he will fit in well and be
on the pace straight away.

"Our 2018 programme is starting to build up nicely with Tom's
signing and we continue to work hard behind the scenes and put all
of our plans into place. We still have a few surprises in store and
look forward to releasing more details in the coming weeks."

Tickets for all MSV rounds of the BTCC are now on sale -
click here for a list of all events.